La Biciruta in Mérida, Mexico – Riding Through the City
Updated: July 4, 2025
Author: Tobias
BlogPosting
2025
Hi, I’m Tobias – a German travel writer with a home in Mérida and a passion for exploring new places.
For over 20 years, my wife (a local) and I have traveled Mérida, and the Yucatán Peninsula. On this site I share real insights on 200+ places.
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Quick Facts: What to Know About La Biciruta Mérida
La Biciruta in Mérida, Mexico is a weekly car-free cycling event held every Sunday. From 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, a 5 km (3.1 mile) route from Monumento a la Patria along Paseo de Montejo to Plaza Grande is closed to traffic, offering a safe ride through central Mérida.
Event Format: La Biciruta is a weekly car-free cycling event held every Sunday morning along Paseo de Montejo in Mérida, Mexico.
Schedule: The event runs from 8:00 a.m. to around 12:30 p.m., with traffic blocked off on selected streets to allow bicycles, skates, scooters, and pedestrians.
Route: The main route stretches from Monumento a la Patria toward the historic center, covering approximately 1.6 miles (2.5 km) of Paseo de Montejo.
Accessibility: Free public bikes are available through the city’s “En Bici – Muévete por Mérida” program; additional bikes are sometimes offered by sponsors like Telcel.
Participants: The event attracts locals and tourists of all ages, including families, teens on skateboards, and street performers along the route.
History: La Biciruta began in 2006 and is now a well-established part of Mérida’s weekly public life and sustainable mobility efforts.
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„La Biciruta is such a fun way to experience Mérida’s Sunday vibes. At 6’4”, the bikes feel hilariously small – but totally worth it for the ride down Paseo de Montejo.“
La Biciruta Mérida in 2025
A Sunday Morning Ride in Mérida
The first La Biciruta in Mérida took place back in 2006 and has since become a regular part of city life. It was about time I finally joined in.
It’s just past 8:00 am when I arrive at the top of Paseo de Montejo. The morning sun is already strong – typical for early September – but the atmosphere is calm and relaxed.
One lane of this beautiful boulevard is closed to cars, and Mérida’s weekly “Biciruta” has just begun.
Getting a Bike on Paseo de Montejo
I didn’t bring a bike, but that’s no problem. Mérida’s city council offers free bike rentals at several stations through the “En Bici – Muévete por Mérida” program.
I scan a QR code, and within minutes I’m off – on a bike a bit too small for someone 6’4" (1.93 m), but that adds to the fun.
Telcel, Sponsors and a Bit of Luck
Sometimes private companies like Telcel provide free bikes too. That morning they had a full rack available. If you arrive early enough, you might score one of those without needing to register or scan anything.
Starting or End Point: Monumento a la Patria
Depending on your route, the ride starts or ends near the Monumento a la Patria. From there, the left lane is blocked off for bikes, while the right lane stays open for cars. It’s a curious mix, but traffic moves slowly and everything feels very safe.
In the next photo, I'm standing by the Monumento a la Patria, looking down Paseo de Montejo toward the historic center. You can spot my tiny rental bike in the shot – the street is still quiet, with just a few early riders around.
Bikes, Skateboards, and Everything In Between
The first thing I notice is the mix of people: families, teens on skateboards, couples on rental bikes, even a few tourists like myself.
Anything non-motorized goes here – rollerblades, scooters, walking. It’s not a race, it’s a shared moment of freedom on two wheels (or sometimes three).
Street Life Along the Ride
The Paseo de Montejo quickly fills with energy. Kids zoom by on little bikes, parents push strollers, and every few blocks there’s live music or someone selling paletas.
That day, I even saw a group of nuns enjoying the ride – and a group of demonstrators marching with signs I couldn’t fully understand. A TV crew was filming them, giving the whole thing a dynamic street vibe.
A Glimpse of Mérida’s Historic Center
The official route continues past Plaza Grande and into the southern neighborhoods. I didn’t make it that far – I stopped just after the main plaza – but along the way, there were volunteers at every crossing helping riders stay on track.
No need for GPS or maps, just follow the crowd.
My Final Thoughts
La Biciruta isn’t just about bikes – it’s about Mérida itself. It’s how the city invites you in, slows you down, and lets you experience its streets without the noise of engines.
Whether you ride the full 3.1 miles (5 km) or just a stretch, it’s one of the most joyful Sunday routines I’ve ever joined.
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Frequently Asked Questions
🎯 What is La Biciruta in Mérida, Mexico?
La Biciruta in Mérida is a weekly car-free cycling event held every Sunday. A 5 km (3.1 mile) route from Monumento a la Patria to Plaza Grande is closed to traffic from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm for bicycles and pedestrians.
🕒 What time does La Biciruta take place?
La Biciruta takes place every Sunday from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. During this time, a major road section in central Mérida is closed to motor vehicles to allow safe cycling, walking, and skating.
🚴♀️ Can I rent a bike at La Biciruta in Mérida?
Yes, bike rentals are available near Paseo de Montejo, especially close to the Monumento a la Patria and the Remate area. Most rentals offer hourly rates and basic bikes suitable for casual cycling along the route.
📍 Where does La Biciruta take place in Mérida?
La Biciruta runs along Paseo de Montejo in Mérida, from Monumento a la Patria to Plaza Grande. This central route includes landmarks such as Calle 47, the Twin Houses, and several shaded parks and cafés.
🎟️ Is there an entrance fee for La Biciruta?
No, La Biciruta is a free public event. There is no entrance fee to join the cycling route, and anyone can participate with their own bicycle or rent one locally.
👨👩👧 Is La Biciruta suitable for children?
Yes, La Biciruta is family-friendly and safe for children. The route is flat, well-supervised, and free from vehicle traffic. Families often bring small bikes, scooters, or strollers for younger participants.
🚗 How do I get to La Biciruta from outside Mérida?
If arriving by car, parking is available in nearby streets or garages around Paseo de Montejo. From the ADO bus terminal, it’s a 15-minute walk to the southern end of the Biciruta route near Plaza Grande.
🧭 What else can I do near La Biciruta in Mérida?
After La Biciruta, explore nearby attractions such as the Museo Casa de Montejo, Santa Lucía Park, or enjoy breakfast at cafés along Paseo de Montejo. The area offers shops, galleries, and colonial architecture within walking distance.